Description
This easy and comforting CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe combines tender slow-cooked chicken with creamy marinara sauce, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach for a hearty one-pot meal. Slow cooking the chicken ensures it’s juicy and flavorful, while the addition of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce. Perfect for a fuss-free dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauce
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Greens
- 1 (16 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Place Chicken and Seasonings: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the CrockPot. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
- Add Garlic and Sauce: Add the minced garlic, pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth over the chicken. Ensure the mixture is well combined around the chicken.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through. This slow cooking method infuses the chicken with flavors and keeps it moist.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the CrockPot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the CrockPot to mix with the sauce.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: Place the cheese tortellini and chopped fresh spinach on top of the shredded chicken in the CrockPot.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Tortellini: Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. This step finishes the dish with a creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped basil for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a lower calorie version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer, use fresh tortellini but adjust cooking time as fresh pasta cooks faster.
- Adding spinach near the end preserves its bright color and texture.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings; adjust slow cooking times accordingly.
- Ensure the crockpot is not overfilled to allow even cooking.
